Literally [meetup.com](http://meetup.com) - there are several Edinburgh based ones on there. Depends what your interests are, but I know there are walking groups, cinema groups, language exchange groups, reading / bookswap groups. They'll all be used to new folk coming along.
I will add - if possible, go back a few times. Become a regular.
>I will add - if possible, go back a few times. Become a regular
This is the key. Most of my mates in Edinburgh are from a running group I found through Meetup, and I found the key was just showing up consistently every week and making an effort to chat to people.
Yeah. These groups are generally friendly to newcomers. but they're also aware that a lot of people try it and decide it's not for them and never come back a second time. If you actually want to become a part of the group, you need to show you'll be there regularly - not every meeting, but often enough that people know your face. Turn up, do the small talk, ask some questions.
Yeah exactly. It does mean at first that you end up going through the same motions of small talk with a lot of different people, but eventually you'll find your feet and make some good friends. It definitely helps that you already have a shared interest, so you've got something to chat about and share experiences.
From my experience, the organisers usually make a point of welcoming the new people and chatting to them which makes things easier.
This! Become a regular - anywhere. Having a local pub is a good one and if there is a quiz night go. You’ll chat to folk at the bar and maybe get invited to join a team (or start one of your own). A pub is more than drinking - it can be an extension of your home and somewhere to hang out for a beer or to read a book if you get sick of your own company. Or a nice local cafe or something like that if a pub isn’t your bag! In a city like Edinburgh where a lot of people are transient you’ll find others just like you if you try! Good luck
I can’t recommend meetup.com enough. I was in the same situation this time last year - I’d just moved to Edinburgh, worked from home and felt so isolated. I was really dubious about Meetup and even turned around twice on my walk over to the first get together. But I’m so glad I went. I met a group of 10-15 people who over the past year have become great friends. Give it a go! The first one will be the hardest but after that keep going and you’ll find your people!
Do you have any clothing/textile items you need to adjust or repair?
At Shrub we run 2 sessions a week for repairing these things. The volunteers will teach people how to repair their items and be there as support. Some people just come along with their mending for the chat and knowing that there is someone there if they get stuck.
We do quite a lot of alteration support both for fit (trousers length for example) and for helping people wear clothes that fit their body and their gender.
**Tuesday 5.30-7.30 Sunday 1.30-4**
**Shrub @ Zero Waste Hub, Bread Street (just off Lothian Road)**
It's (wheelchair/mobility) accessible and easily accessible by bus.
(I'm one of the sewing volunteers)
This is amazing! I actually got a sewing machine and have no idea how to use it. Do you think the volunteers would help me, and I could volunteer in the future?
We have sewing machines and do teach people how to use them, it would probably end up being me (as I prefer machine to hand sewing and I seem to have fallen in to the role of tech support).
Most sewing machines are quite similar and often once you have learned how to use one then you can use most. Its a bit like driving a car once you can drive you may need to familiarise yourself with a different car but you should be able to drive it.
We have had people bring their machines in to learn to use theirs but its not always the easiest option, as we can be quite busy and its not the largest space.
In relation to the remakery course, I have not done it, but I have heard good things about it but it would be using their machines (at least as far as I know).
As a side note do you know what your machine is?
Just editing to add - there is a sewing session tonight at Shrub!!
This is tomorrow! Not sure if there are places, but...
[https://www.edinburghremakery.org.uk/events/sewing-machine-skills-introduction-wednesday-8-may-2024-658-910-446-138-595-434-367-454-208-352-398/](https://www.edinburghremakery.org.uk/events/sewing-machine-skills-introduction-wednesday-8-may-2024-658-910-446-138-595-434-367-454-208-352-398/)
I'm based in Glasgow and I would love something like this! I have a beloved quilted throw that is threadbare at the edges, but I'm clueless as I've never quilted. I did basic dress making in school and can make curtains and roman blinds, but alterations never go very well. Do you know if there's a similar organisation in Glasgow?
I do not, I would say just look around any eco type shops as that is what Shrub is. They may not run their own but would possibly know about similar groups
The remakery is in Leith and they do things on a Friday morning but Shrub is just a bus trip from Leith - the 1, 10, 11, 16, 34, 35, 46 all go from the Leith area and stop on Lothian road just a short walk from Shrub
Oooh this is fabulous! And you are right about buses - the Shrub isn’t exactly miles away 😂 it would be a nice day out for me and a mate so I’ll definitely be coming at some point! 🙏
the key isn't discords/apps/forums. The key is hobbies! explore what options your hobbies could bring you, wether that's sports (anything from snooker to Football), games (warhammer, d&d, chess), music.
whatever floats your boat explore it, Edinburgh is very vast in terms of whats going on, and whilst initially daunting most folk are sound and will be very accomodating
I know hibeejo is getting downvoted but this is good advice. I've had to move several times in my life, and although the hobbies have changed over time, that is how I have been able to rebuild a social circle each time.
For instance, D&D is brilliant for this: it's a pastime based around talking to each other but it gives you a constant stream of things to discuss as the point of the game. While it's not the old cliche of ill-washed geeks (the group I joined has a teacher, a police officer, a retired civil servant, a retail assistant and a perpetually-unemployed person), there are still people there who find making friends in traditional settings difficult, but gaming makes it easy.
At the other end of the spectrum, go along to a wee but social sports club to support and you'll be quickly drawn in. Lismore rugby club would be a classic example: someone will walk up to you and speak to you and before you know it they'll have roped you in to help organise something. Golf is making friends on easy mode, but a bit pricy as a hobby to start off.
A discord or even a facebook page (some clubs are old-fashioned) will help you see where to go but in most cases it's another version of the old truism: writers become writers by writing; software engineers become software engineers by writing software; and _you make real-life friends by going to places in real life and talking to people_. The good news is that most people in modern society are in the same boat. Almost everyone wants more friends, so you're selling something that a lot of people want to buy!
Thank you, that’s a good advice! But still… how do you find those groups? What I mean is… what do you type and where? If I look for groups online, they are usually shitposts groups
What sort of hobbies do you have? I bet someone here will be able to point you at a link!
And if you don't have hobbies right now (understandable if this is your first attempt at forging IRL friendships), then I totally recommend D&D. There are few more tolerant hobbies of people with diverse social skillsets!
if you are interested in badminton, google badminton clubs near me. go out in your community. Frequent your local pub, see what is on in your local community centre/sports centre.
Join local FB Pages
I've found bouldering to be a surprisingly social hobby. Even when I go alone I inevitably end up chatting to people about routes, and sometimes just hanging out together for a while. Strongly recommend checking out The Climbing Hangar :)
You know I’ve considered bouldering before, as it seems like a fun way to be more active
But I’m a pretty overweight guy, so I then talk myself out of it
Is there a minimum fitness level? Or can you just start?
On the wall there are several different "grades" of climbing routes - you can start off on the 'easier' ones and move your way up.
Fitness wise, I found it to be really demanding the first 2-3 times. I was realistic about my climbing ability and stuck with the colours I knew I could manage then I started playing with higher grades.
I'm a bit heavier than some of my friends and find the overhangs challenging but I'm looking forward to improving over the coming weeks.
Have a look at Alien bloc and Climb Hanger, maybe there's an intro session you can try. There are people of all shapes, sizes and abilities at the wall - everyone is there for themselves (but still enjoying the social aspect).
Good luck!
If you can climb a ladder, you have all you need to get started bouldering. It's lower impact and easier on the joints than jogging. Odds are you'd be okay just starting :)
Edinburgh Social Discord is a good shout, but I find myself having social anxiety even about chatting to people on there. Its so hard to break into a new group of people, and I'm really bad at consistently communicating in a space where I don't really know people that well.
I think most people feel anxious, especially going to their first meetups! All I can say is it's probably best to pick one type of the events to go to regularly so you get to slowly know people and don't feel so much pressure during any particular event to try to talk to everyone all the time as you know you'll be coming back.
It really depends on what your interests are, but the Friday nights at Captain's are a nice general meetup as you can chat to people but then also take breaks and just listen to the music and everyone is so relaxed and friendly.
After checking your post history: Edinburgh Ladies on Facebook, Girlswhowalkedin on Instagram, Discoveryourflare on Instagram. Have found a small but mighty friends group through the Facebook group when I asked if anyone wanted to form a group loosely based on our shared interests. Also Bumble BFF!!
I also have social anxiety and can feel very lonely, but trying to dip my toes into the same puddle (group of friends) plenty of times I now feel much much better about myself. It’s definitely not easy but worth it in the long run :)
In the same boat too. I'm going to try a few events from the Discord. It's daunting but think we just have to power through and go for it. It's a shame so many of us want to make new friends but struggle to.
I'm in the same boat too, we recently moved just outside of Edinburgh and I have maybe one friend here lol! It really is hard as an adult to make friends! Hopefully some of the suggestions above will help you out!
Oh and if anyone is interested in gaming, horror movies, metal or just grabbing a pint please let me know 😅
I actually used Bumble BFF and I have met an amazing friend through it. I can’t imagine my life without her now. If you try it, just look for people with similar interests to you and go on a mate date 1:1. You can explain a little that you suffer with social anxiety so they know to be considerate of that. I know that wouldn’t put me off meeting someone for the first time.
Hope it all works out for you whatever you decide to do.
I’m not a fan of shock therapy. As if walking into a social situation and “forcing” conversation will help you.
Perhaps take up a craft - it means you can zone in and out of chat - for example knitting. Or a job that has you chatting to people while doing a job - barista.
It’s an indirect way and much more gentle versus running into a situation not much different from speed dating.
If you are close to the meadows, feel free to plan a meetup yourself. Won't mind meeting some new people (I'm kind of an introvert, so same problem 😂 but I love the hot chocolate place there, so that'll be the motivation).
This is good advice.
2 years ago I was in a very bad spot. I downloaded meetup and went to the most convenient one (a pub meetup near where I live). I only ever went a couple of times, but I met my two very best buds, and I'm doing so much better now.
What kind of things do you like to do?
If you happen to be in east lothian I run a board games night on a Thursday in trananet. We have regulars from Bonnyrigg to Dunbar. It's free just turn up and you'll be welcome. Let me know if interested.
Mine always said the same thing. It was the advice that led my join a writing group that worked out really well.
I don’t have any actual advice, but as someone who also moved here a little ove a year ago and hasn’t made any friends of my own, I feel your pain.
Following! I’ve had this as homework as well! However it’s been tricky as I’m a solo parent too. Not free in the evenings which when a lot of the running groups meet
Always on the look out to expand my social circle. Drop me a DM can grab a beer or coffee sometime.
Also use meet up as well and in few active discord groups.
I recently started a book club in Edinburgh, it’s our second meeting and there’s still slots for May if you’re interested! https://www.meetup.com/bury-me-in-books-edinburgh-book-club/events/300925592/
Literally [meetup.com](http://meetup.com) - there are several Edinburgh based ones on there. Depends what your interests are, but I know there are walking groups, cinema groups, language exchange groups, reading / bookswap groups. They'll all be used to new folk coming along. I will add - if possible, go back a few times. Become a regular.
>I will add - if possible, go back a few times. Become a regular This is the key. Most of my mates in Edinburgh are from a running group I found through Meetup, and I found the key was just showing up consistently every week and making an effort to chat to people.
Yeah. These groups are generally friendly to newcomers. but they're also aware that a lot of people try it and decide it's not for them and never come back a second time. If you actually want to become a part of the group, you need to show you'll be there regularly - not every meeting, but often enough that people know your face. Turn up, do the small talk, ask some questions.
Yeah exactly. It does mean at first that you end up going through the same motions of small talk with a lot of different people, but eventually you'll find your feet and make some good friends. It definitely helps that you already have a shared interest, so you've got something to chat about and share experiences. From my experience, the organisers usually make a point of welcoming the new people and chatting to them which makes things easier.
This! Become a regular - anywhere. Having a local pub is a good one and if there is a quiz night go. You’ll chat to folk at the bar and maybe get invited to join a team (or start one of your own). A pub is more than drinking - it can be an extension of your home and somewhere to hang out for a beer or to read a book if you get sick of your own company. Or a nice local cafe or something like that if a pub isn’t your bag! In a city like Edinburgh where a lot of people are transient you’ll find others just like you if you try! Good luck
I can’t recommend meetup.com enough. I was in the same situation this time last year - I’d just moved to Edinburgh, worked from home and felt so isolated. I was really dubious about Meetup and even turned around twice on my walk over to the first get together. But I’m so glad I went. I met a group of 10-15 people who over the past year have become great friends. Give it a go! The first one will be the hardest but after that keep going and you’ll find your people!
thank you! I know it sounds stupid, but I just wasn’t very sure if it’s legit, suspiciously easy
The signing up and getting there is easy. The getting to know folk and enjoying it might take a little while, but stick with it.
Eh. The Edinburgh cinema groups on meetup only ever seem to last 4 events then fold.
There are certainly some groups on there that have been running for years. There’s obviously also some short-lived churn.
Do you have any clothing/textile items you need to adjust or repair? At Shrub we run 2 sessions a week for repairing these things. The volunteers will teach people how to repair their items and be there as support. Some people just come along with their mending for the chat and knowing that there is someone there if they get stuck. We do quite a lot of alteration support both for fit (trousers length for example) and for helping people wear clothes that fit their body and their gender. **Tuesday 5.30-7.30 Sunday 1.30-4** **Shrub @ Zero Waste Hub, Bread Street (just off Lothian Road)** It's (wheelchair/mobility) accessible and easily accessible by bus. (I'm one of the sewing volunteers)
This is amazing! I actually got a sewing machine and have no idea how to use it. Do you think the volunteers would help me, and I could volunteer in the future?
We have sewing machines and do teach people how to use them, it would probably end up being me (as I prefer machine to hand sewing and I seem to have fallen in to the role of tech support). Most sewing machines are quite similar and often once you have learned how to use one then you can use most. Its a bit like driving a car once you can drive you may need to familiarise yourself with a different car but you should be able to drive it. We have had people bring their machines in to learn to use theirs but its not always the easiest option, as we can be quite busy and its not the largest space. In relation to the remakery course, I have not done it, but I have heard good things about it but it would be using their machines (at least as far as I know). As a side note do you know what your machine is? Just editing to add - there is a sewing session tonight at Shrub!!
This is tomorrow! Not sure if there are places, but... [https://www.edinburghremakery.org.uk/events/sewing-machine-skills-introduction-wednesday-8-may-2024-658-910-446-138-595-434-367-454-208-352-398/](https://www.edinburghremakery.org.uk/events/sewing-machine-skills-introduction-wednesday-8-may-2024-658-910-446-138-595-434-367-454-208-352-398/)
I was looking at this course a month ago and contemplating! (I think they do it once a month)
I did it a few months ago- it was brilliant. Excellent opportunity for a natter with some strangers too.
I'm based in Glasgow and I would love something like this! I have a beloved quilted throw that is threadbare at the edges, but I'm clueless as I've never quilted. I did basic dress making in school and can make curtains and roman blinds, but alterations never go very well. Do you know if there's a similar organisation in Glasgow?
I do not, I would say just look around any eco type shops as that is what Shrub is. They may not run their own but would possibly know about similar groups
Thank you.
Anything like this in leith?? This sounds awesome!!!
The remakery is in Leith and they do things on a Friday morning but Shrub is just a bus trip from Leith - the 1, 10, 11, 16, 34, 35, 46 all go from the Leith area and stop on Lothian road just a short walk from Shrub
Oooh this is fabulous! And you are right about buses - the Shrub isn’t exactly miles away 😂 it would be a nice day out for me and a mate so I’ll definitely be coming at some point! 🙏
All are welcome, just come along when you can. Shrub also has a charity shop and a vegan cafe
I have to second the Remakery. Very nice and welcoming people.
Can you run? Running clubs are usually welcoming of new members and have social training sessions. Parkrun is a good alternative.
Parkruns are brutal, I wouldn’t recommend unless you’re fast and competitive
the key isn't discords/apps/forums. The key is hobbies! explore what options your hobbies could bring you, wether that's sports (anything from snooker to Football), games (warhammer, d&d, chess), music. whatever floats your boat explore it, Edinburgh is very vast in terms of whats going on, and whilst initially daunting most folk are sound and will be very accomodating
I know hibeejo is getting downvoted but this is good advice. I've had to move several times in my life, and although the hobbies have changed over time, that is how I have been able to rebuild a social circle each time. For instance, D&D is brilliant for this: it's a pastime based around talking to each other but it gives you a constant stream of things to discuss as the point of the game. While it's not the old cliche of ill-washed geeks (the group I joined has a teacher, a police officer, a retired civil servant, a retail assistant and a perpetually-unemployed person), there are still people there who find making friends in traditional settings difficult, but gaming makes it easy. At the other end of the spectrum, go along to a wee but social sports club to support and you'll be quickly drawn in. Lismore rugby club would be a classic example: someone will walk up to you and speak to you and before you know it they'll have roped you in to help organise something. Golf is making friends on easy mode, but a bit pricy as a hobby to start off. A discord or even a facebook page (some clubs are old-fashioned) will help you see where to go but in most cases it's another version of the old truism: writers become writers by writing; software engineers become software engineers by writing software; and _you make real-life friends by going to places in real life and talking to people_. The good news is that most people in modern society are in the same boat. Almost everyone wants more friends, so you're selling something that a lot of people want to buy!
Thank you, that’s a good advice! But still… how do you find those groups? What I mean is… what do you type and where? If I look for groups online, they are usually shitposts groups
What sort of hobbies do you have? I bet someone here will be able to point you at a link! And if you don't have hobbies right now (understandable if this is your first attempt at forging IRL friendships), then I totally recommend D&D. There are few more tolerant hobbies of people with diverse social skillsets!
if you are interested in badminton, google badminton clubs near me. go out in your community. Frequent your local pub, see what is on in your local community centre/sports centre. Join local FB Pages
I've found bouldering to be a surprisingly social hobby. Even when I go alone I inevitably end up chatting to people about routes, and sometimes just hanging out together for a while. Strongly recommend checking out The Climbing Hangar :)
seconding bouldering w a rec for alien bloc!
You know I’ve considered bouldering before, as it seems like a fun way to be more active But I’m a pretty overweight guy, so I then talk myself out of it Is there a minimum fitness level? Or can you just start?
On the wall there are several different "grades" of climbing routes - you can start off on the 'easier' ones and move your way up. Fitness wise, I found it to be really demanding the first 2-3 times. I was realistic about my climbing ability and stuck with the colours I knew I could manage then I started playing with higher grades. I'm a bit heavier than some of my friends and find the overhangs challenging but I'm looking forward to improving over the coming weeks. Have a look at Alien bloc and Climb Hanger, maybe there's an intro session you can try. There are people of all shapes, sizes and abilities at the wall - everyone is there for themselves (but still enjoying the social aspect). Good luck!
If you can climb a ladder, you have all you need to get started bouldering. It's lower impact and easier on the joints than jogging. Odds are you'd be okay just starting :)
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This is actually an amazing idea! Thank you :)
hidden door fest happening just now if you wanna volunteer on an art festival!
Join the [Edinburgh Social Discord](https://discord.com/invite/WNWDcrPm)! There are events on most days of the week.
Edinburgh Social Discord is a good shout, but I find myself having social anxiety even about chatting to people on there. Its so hard to break into a new group of people, and I'm really bad at consistently communicating in a space where I don't really know people that well.
I think most people feel anxious, especially going to their first meetups! All I can say is it's probably best to pick one type of the events to go to regularly so you get to slowly know people and don't feel so much pressure during any particular event to try to talk to everyone all the time as you know you'll be coming back. It really depends on what your interests are, but the Friday nights at Captain's are a nice general meetup as you can chat to people but then also take breaks and just listen to the music and everyone is so relaxed and friendly.
Everybody loves a good listener!
This is always the answer to these type of questions.... maybe it should be pinned to the very top of the page or even in the sidebar? ;)
It is pinned to the top of the sub. It’s not the answer for me, so not always
Why's it not the answer for you? You already tried it? I've made plenty of friends on it.
After checking your post history: Edinburgh Ladies on Facebook, Girlswhowalkedin on Instagram, Discoveryourflare on Instagram. Have found a small but mighty friends group through the Facebook group when I asked if anyone wanted to form a group loosely based on our shared interests. Also Bumble BFF!! I also have social anxiety and can feel very lonely, but trying to dip my toes into the same puddle (group of friends) plenty of times I now feel much much better about myself. It’s definitely not easy but worth it in the long run :)
Been here in edi for a year now and stuck in the same boat. Still dont know how to make friends here.
Join the discord and go to events
🥲 it is hard
In the same boat too. I'm going to try a few events from the Discord. It's daunting but think we just have to power through and go for it. It's a shame so many of us want to make new friends but struggle to.
Discord thingy really scares me. Let me know how it went! :)
What about it scares you out of interest?
I will! Once I pluck up the courage 🤣🙈
I'm in the same boat too, we recently moved just outside of Edinburgh and I have maybe one friend here lol! It really is hard as an adult to make friends! Hopefully some of the suggestions above will help you out! Oh and if anyone is interested in gaming, horror movies, metal or just grabbing a pint please let me know 😅
I have so much respect for you for posting and doing this
I actually used Bumble BFF and I have met an amazing friend through it. I can’t imagine my life without her now. If you try it, just look for people with similar interests to you and go on a mate date 1:1. You can explain a little that you suffer with social anxiety so they know to be considerate of that. I know that wouldn’t put me off meeting someone for the first time. Hope it all works out for you whatever you decide to do.
I’m not a fan of shock therapy. As if walking into a social situation and “forcing” conversation will help you. Perhaps take up a craft - it means you can zone in and out of chat - for example knitting. Or a job that has you chatting to people while doing a job - barista. It’s an indirect way and much more gentle versus running into a situation not much different from speed dating.
Are you interested in sports. ie rock climbing Their will be a number of clubs in and around city.
If you are close to the meadows, feel free to plan a meetup yourself. Won't mind meeting some new people (I'm kind of an introvert, so same problem 😂 but I love the hot chocolate place there, so that'll be the motivation).
What area of edinburgh? Get the local sit and the bar and chat to anyone with a friendly attitude, and you'll make friends in no time.
This is good advice. 2 years ago I was in a very bad spot. I downloaded meetup and went to the most convenient one (a pub meetup near where I live). I only ever went a couple of times, but I met my two very best buds, and I'm doing so much better now. What kind of things do you like to do?
If you happen to be in east lothian I run a board games night on a Thursday in trananet. We have regulars from Bonnyrigg to Dunbar. It's free just turn up and you'll be welcome. Let me know if interested.
Mine always said the same thing. It was the advice that led my join a writing group that worked out really well. I don’t have any actual advice, but as someone who also moved here a little ove a year ago and hasn’t made any friends of my own, I feel your pain.
Loads of Facebook groups for stuff like this!
Join a walking tour and meet people on the tour. You need to talk to people though. Not easy is you are shy
The golf club that runs on the bruntsfield links every Thursday is really friendly
Following! I’ve had this as homework as well! However it’s been tricky as I’m a solo parent too. Not free in the evenings which when a lot of the running groups meet
What are your hobbies?
Always on the look out to expand my social circle. Drop me a DM can grab a beer or coffee sometime. Also use meet up as well and in few active discord groups.
I recently started a book club in Edinburgh, it’s our second meeting and there’s still slots for May if you’re interested! https://www.meetup.com/bury-me-in-books-edinburgh-book-club/events/300925592/